As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 3 – 9), a week of public awareness and education established by the Canadian Psychiatric Association and coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), we highlight some of the mental health and wellness resources available on campus.
To help care for the needs of TWU students and community, TWU’s Wellness Centre operates year-round, and provides a variety of resources and access points.
Joelle Turner, MA, RCC, is the Director of Mental Health Services. In addition to directing the day-to-day operations of the University’s Mental Health Services, she also supervises interns from TWU’s Counselling Psychology Master's program. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Turner practices from a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, and provides counselling and mental health support to TWU students and staff.
Best outcomes are for those who are supported
Turner knows how fear of judgement, or the stigma associated with mental illness, can become a barrier to asking for help.
For anyone who knows of a friend or family member who is struggling, Turner offers encouragement.
“I would start by saying that it is common to struggle but that the best outcomes are for those who are supported through their struggles,” Turner said.
“Don’t be afraid to have a conversation where you voice your concerns with your friend or family member. Being a support to them often includes connecting them to the mental health resources that they need.”
When to reach out
Sometimes, students may be unsure if they’re just having bad days, or whether their level of stress or anxiety is normal.
“Don’t be afraid to have a conversation where you voice your concerns with your friend or family member. Being a support to them often includes connecting them to the mental health resources that they need.”
— Joelle Turner, MA, RCC, Director of Mental Health Services
For anyone in doubt, Turner offers a quick way to assess one’s health.
“One way to think about this is to ask yourself how much your mood swings (or other symptoms) are interfering with your day to day life,” Turner suggests.
“If what you are experiencing is affecting the quality of your life and your ability to engage in your everyday commitments, then it is a good idea to see a professional.”
Turner advises that professional options could be a clinical counsellor, a family doctor, or pastoral support, depending on the type of assistance needed.
Space on campus to unplug, destress
Turner also introduces the readily available at resources TWU that support the wellbeing of students, including the newly-renovated relaxation space, The Well.
“The Well is a great space for students to come to unplug and destress,” Turner said.
This space is staffed by The Well Hosts, who intentionally create a welcoming and relaxing space full of activities and resources for students, “including our very popular massage chairs,” said Turner.
Individual and group counselling, pastoral care
Turner says that the individual and group counselling sessions offered through the Wellness Centre are also very popular for students who are experiencing mental health issues that are interfering with their academics or relationships.
Additionally, TWU Student Ministries offers pastoral care, where students can meet with a chaplain to talk about what they are going through.
New this Fall, TWU Recreation is launching a Well-Being Coaching program, which offers personal training for the whole person. The program is led by wellbeing coaches, who help students achieve better health in the areas of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, psycho/social relationships, giving/serving activities, and contemplative/spiritual realms.
See also — Engaging the full TWU experience: community, spiritual life and leadership opportunities:
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About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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